Shropshire Business Awards on target to be one of biggest ever
Shropshire Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 business awards look set to be the biggest in the event’s 23-year history.
Around 500 seats have already been reserved for the ‘Oscars’ of the local economy, to be held at Telford’s International Centre on June 23.
The event, which is now in its 23rd year, celebrates the stars of the Shropshire business community across 12 different categories.
The 2023 competition, which is free to enter, is open to all businesses with an operational base in the county of Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin – whether or not they are a Chamber member.
It includes the return of long-running categories including Company of the Year, Best New Business, and Best Small Business.
There are also new-look categories this year for Global Business recognising international trade, Commitment To People, and a return of the Business In The Community award.
Entries are now open at shropshirechamberbusinessawards.com. The closing date for applications is April 14.
Kelly Riedel, Shropshire Chamber’s events manager, said: “There is a real appetite to celebrate success across our business community this year, and the event is on target to be the biggest yet.
“We know that Shropshire businesses are going to be facing significant challenges over the coming year, so it’s more important than ever to celebrate and recognise our success stories.
“We will have a very famous face joining us as our guest speaker at the awards night this year – details will be announced very soon.”
Here is the full list of categories for 2023, and the criteria which will be used by the shortlisting panel to judge the entries:
COMPANY OF THE YEARThe showpiece award for an all-round star performer, flying the flag for Shropshire business excellence. Judged on a combination of:
- Financial track record, and pursuit of excellence
- Creativity, innovation and ambition
- Leadership and customer service skills
- Training, people development and wellbeing strategies
- Commitment to the community, and environment
- Effective response to economic challenges
- Awards, testimonials and accolades
For businesses in any sector, formed since January 1st 2021. Entries will be assessed on:
- Strength and originality of business vision
- Strong and sustainable business plan
- Evidence of progress and clear financial objectives
- Creative and ambitious marketing and growth plans
- Originality – what makes you different and better than the rest?
For businesses in any sector employing up to 10 full-time equivalent staff, demonstrating a high level of success. Judged on:
- Innovation, and forward-thinking strategies for growth
- Gaining and sustaining a competitive advantage
- Commitment to staff development, and wellbeing
- Clear and creative marketing and growth plans
- Accolades, testimonials, and evidence of financial success
For companies which go the extra mile in looking after the needs of their customers. Judged on:
- Ways of consistently exceeding customer expectations
- Measuring customer satisfaction, and acting on feedback
- Training and development in customer handling and service skills
- Awards, accolades and customer testimonials
- Adapting to the current economic challenges
For companies which are ‘flying the flag’ for Shropshire in overseas markets, through strong international trading links. Judged on:
- Evidence of cross-border growth and commercial success
- Strategy for building overseas awareness of a brand
- A forward-thinking and structured approach
- Understanding of different cultures and foreign practices
- Innovative approach to reaching out to new markets
For businesses which believe in the philosophy of ‘putting something back’ into the Shropshire community. Judged on:
- Top-to-bottom ‘buy-in’ from staff at all levels, over and above statutory requirements
- Examples of projects which have made a real difference to local people’s lives
- Promoting the value of community work through company vision and values
- Supporting Shropshire suppliers by ‘buying local’
- Fostering links with schools, colleges and other community groups
For companies which ‘make things’ and are continuing our proud industrial heritage. Judged on:
- Commitment to continuous improvement
- Innovation and customer satisfaction
- Investment in new technologies to achieve efficiencies and comply with latest environmental standards
- Growth plans and evidence of financial success
- Customer service standards, and client testimonials
For companies which recognise the importance of supporting both the physical and mental wellbeing of staff. Judged on:
- Evidence that health and wellbeing of employees is embedded in business culture
- Training to recognise and address ‘hidden’ issues such as mental health and stress
- Examples of robust wellbeing policies and their impact on the workforce, and wider business
- Commitment to flexible working and healthy work-life balance
- Response to challenges of changing economy such as home working
For companies who have spotted a gap in the market, and thought outside the box to fill it. Judged on:
- Your USP: What makes you stand out from the competition?
- Use of technology to improve engagement
- Impact of forward-thinking policies on sales and profits
- Imaginative techniques used to identify and attract customers
- Testimonials, sustainability and potential for future growth
For environmentally aware businesses which promote innovative practices, processes or technology. Judged on:
- Embracing green technology to lower the carbon footprint
- Promoting or producing eco-friendly products and services
- Evidence of successful ‘green’ initiatives and programmes
- Cross-company commitment to ‘make a difference’
- Substantial and quantifiable improvements in environmental and commercial performance
Open to anyone aged 30 or below in January 2023, who demonstrates flair, commitment and an entrepreneurial spirit. Judged on:
- Evidence of a significant influence on the business
- A commitment to training and personal development
- Entrepreneurial attitude, reliability and work ethic
- Strong people skills and maturity beyond their years
- Testimonials from managers, work colleagues, and/or customers.
The John Clayton Award, named after a previous Shropshire Chamber president, will also be presented to someone who is judged to have made an outstanding contribution to the local business community.
Aico of Oswestry won the coveted Company of the Year award last summer – retaining its title.
Previous Company of the Year winners include McConnel of Ludlow, Grainger & Worrall from Bridgnorth, Grocontinental of Whitchurch, Salop Leisure and Caterpillar from Shrewsbury, Pave Aways from Knockin, CJ Wildbird Foods of Upton Magna, and Telford-based businesses McPhillips, Dodd Group, Smartwater, Lyreco and Reconomy.
